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Better Business Bureau of Acadiana is alerting consumers to be wary of door-to-door magazine sellers Ultimate Solutions.

June 24, 2014

Ultimate Solutions has an “F” rating with BBB, the lowest possible.

Reasons for the rating includes six complaints filed against business, failure to respond to five complaints filed against business and BBB does not have sufficient background information on this business.

BBB usually sees a spike in inquiries about door-to-door magazine sales in the spring and summer. Usually, complaints begin to come in months after the sales calls when consumers realize they never received their magazines. Often, they end up with nothing.

There are also reports of door to door salesmen claiming to sell magazines that will go to those assisted by charitable organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, but there is no evidence that the magazines actually ever make it there.

According to BBB files, consumers reported losing between $40 and nearly $600 each to Ultimate Solutions in 2012 and 2013. They said they tried multiple times to reach the company, without success.

BBB offers the following advice for persons approached by door-to-door salespersons:

Start with Trust®. Check with the BBB before doing business.

Remember that you are under no obligation to interact with a salesperson who comes to your home. If you feel at all threatened, contact police immediately.

Do not invite a stranger into your home unless you have made prior arrangements to meet with him or her.

Many communities require a special soliciting permit for companies selling door-to-door. Before buying anything, ask to see a copy of a permit, as well as any personal identification. Take down that information in the event there is a problem later.

Do not be taken in by sad stories, pleas to help a student or organization or by solicitors claiming they are raising money for charities, unless you know the claims are true.

If you do decide to buy, pay with a credit card in case you need to challenge the purchase.

BBB works for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses.

BBB of Acadiana services the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry and Vermilion.